WHS Staff News - Week of 9/18/23

Thanks for a great start to the school year! Only nine days in but a lot of good stuff is already going on around the building. The changes we have implemented are off to a great start. The feedback from the staff that I have spoken to has been positive. Some quick notes:

SmartPass is up and running. There will be some bumps in the road but overall, I think it has made a positive change in the building. On October 19, a few teachers  and I will be reviewing the data from the first four weeks and making any adjustments that might be needed.

Loaners - I believe we made the right decision with this one. One small change from what I said on 9/5, if you want to allow a student to charge their Chromebook in class, that will be your call. I suggest you let the student know that this will not be an everyday thing. Remember why we did this, accountability and responsibility beyond the walls of WHS.

Cell phones - I think this change is having the biggest impact on what we are trying to accomplish in the classroom. Students are less distracted and more focused on their learning. As a staff, we are doing a great job with this!

I know some of you have asked me about allowing kids to listen to music while working on independent work or allowing students to go on their phones after the lesson. My thoughts on this:

If you allow students on their phones, for whatever reason you feel appropriate during your class time, the admin team will not call you out on it, but we might ask at a later time what was going on.

I understand rewarding a student for working hard. I get using it as a type of incentive. The teacher / student relationship means everything to me, but be smart with bending the rules when it comes to cell phones. Once that door is open, it’s hard to pull back.

If something goes wrong in your class with a cell phone being used inappropriately, that will be on you and the student.

Another change that happened, which was not planned but has had a positive effect, is the Study Halls being moved out of the Cafeteria. When students are out on pass there is really nowhere for them to go besides the bathroom. As of now, I don’t see the Study Halls going back into the Cafeteria when it opens.

Construction Update 
The Greenberg Center swipe access is working now.
The Cafeteria may be delayed to open - I will know more later today.
AC control and the temperature in your classroom - This is still a work in progress and I know it's colder in some rooms than others. We have someone on site that can look at the unit / make small adjustments so let me know if a certain room needs to be looked at.

Counseling Center News 

Virtual Coffee with the Counselors (For 9th Grade Parents on Friday, 9/22)

NAVIANCE TEACHER RECOMMENDER PROFILE & TEACHER LETTERS OF REFERENCE

Dates to keep in mind
No School - Monday, 9/25
Club Fair - Wednesday, 9/20 - 2nd half of lunch in the Gym
DLC Meetings - 9/20 Yes, 9/27 No
Back to School Night - Thursday, 9/28 - 7-9pm

Recent Blog Posts

New Procedures for Reporting a Student Absent  (For Parents)

New Staff @ WHS - Sofia Hernandez

New Staff @ WHS - Jillian Beckerle 

WHS Staff News - 5/23/23

A lot of information to share with not a lot of time left in this school year! Please review this post/links and if you have any questions please reachout.  

Wellness and Community Day sponsored by the Mind Over Matter Club
Wednesday, 5/31/23
8 - 11am
Juniors and Seniors Only

Semester Assessment Schedule / Expectations
Assessment Schedule - 6/8 - 6/15

• Please review the schedule with your students 
• Classes that have semester assessments are to have students report and stay for the full assessment period
• Please have all copies of your final assessments made before 6/8
• The copy machine in Room 417 will be moved out on 6/9 at 2pm

Construction Update - (Helping out the Middle School)
The Middle School needs High School classrooms on June 9 because of construction. See below for what Mr. Meyers shared with his staff and what rooms will be used. Feel free to find the best place for you to grade your assessments.

Friday, June 9, 2023 - The custodians will start to move furniture out of the classrooms and into the back part of the MPR, where it will be stored. This means that we will have to relocate all of the classes in these rooms for Friday, June 9th.

I have spoken with Mr. Carroll and he will be able to provide us with classrooms after the HS testing is completed.

Here are the room assignments for the 9th

HS Classroom Assignments - These rooms are available at 10:30 AM -

- MS Room 110 to HS Room 138
- MS Room 108 to HS Room 141
- MS Room 109 to HS Room 142
- MS Room 210 to HS Room 303

NOTE - Starting with 4th period, all classes in these rooms will be in the assigned HS classrooms. At 10:30 4th period classes in these rooms should be taken over to the assigned HS room. The custodians will be coming in at 10:30 AM to start removing furniture from MS rooms.

HS Classroom Assignments - These rooms are available at 12:30 PM -

- MS Room 105 to HS Room 139
- MS Room 106 to HS Room 143
- MS Room 107 to HS Room 140
- MS Room 205 to HS Room 144
- MS Room 206 to HS Room 145
- MS Room 207 to HS Room 201
- MS Room 208 to HS Room 203
- MS Room 209 to HS Room 205

NOTE - At 12:30 PM teachers in the above identified rooms should walk their students over to the assigned HS rooms. All remaining afternoon classes in these rooms will be in the assigned HS rooms. The custodians will be coming in at 12:30 PM to start removing furniture from these MS rooms

GradBall Update

• The Cafeteria and Room 417 will be handed over to the Grad Ball on Friday, 6/9 at 3pm
• Staff Workroom/Rm 417 - T5 if needed
• If you need to use a refrigerator after 6/9, you can use the one in 305
• The full art wing will be handed over as of 6/15 at 2pm

WHS End of Year Checklist 

We are trying something new with eliminating the paper copy and going with a Google Form.  This form needs to be completed by: 6/15/23

Staff End of Year Get Together
Faculty Pool Party
Rain or shine, we will have fun no matter what!

RSVP Form 
 

Senior Events/Schedule for Last Week of School

Thursday 6/8 or Friday 6/9 (Pending Yearbook delivery/organizing)
Yearbook Signing/Ice Cream Social - 12:15 (JJ Memorial)

Tuesday, June 13
Pool Party/BBQ - 12:30pm – 2:00pm (Waldwick Pool) 

*Staff is invited to stop by the pool

Wednesday, June, 14
Graduation Practice - 1:00pm (Turf)
Hand out Caps and Gowns (Gym)

Thursday, June 15
Chromebook Collection 9:45am (Room 501)
Graduation Practice - 10:15am (Turf)

Friday, June 16
Grad Ball Bag Drop off - 1 - 1:20pm (Greenberg Center) 
Report to the senior wing by 6pm 

Graduation Ceremony starts at 7pm (Turf)  

WHS Staff News - Week of 4/17/23

Welcome back!!! I hope you had a great Spring Break! The weather was perfect if you were still in Jersey. We still have some work to do but the end is in sight. 

What's left: 

10 school days in April 

20 school days in May

In June we have 5 school days with classes and 6 days for semester assessments/last day. 

Please find time to sit and review this post.  

Think about the rest of the year and what you want to accomplish

Map out your lessons

Note testing dates/events/etc. 

Spend time updating/creating your semester assessment 

Construction update (Doc I shared last week)
I need to thank Andy Gamper and his crew for all the work they did to get us ready for Phase 4. I also need to praise David and Jonathan for all they do to make sure the technology is ready to go.
People don’t understand how much goes into these phase changes and without a great team, things don’t go as smoothly as they have.

End of Year Eval Meeting
All meetings have been scheduled. You should have received an invite from Donna or I. If you did no, please check with Donna. Meetings will start on 4/27 and finish up on 5/5. For the meeting, please have your 20 PD hours entered, and your PDP updated and signed.

TESTING UPDATE

PSAT 10 - Thursday, April 20 (All Sophomores)
All students will be testing in the cafeteria. There will be no extended time offered.
Proctoring Schedule
Blog Post for Students & Parents
All other grade levels will follow our normal bell schedule

NJSLA Testing Grade 9 (Testing Dates - 5/1 - 5/5)
9th Grade - ELA (3 sections) 90 minute units
9th Grade - Geometry & Algebra 1 H (2 sections) 90 minute units
AM Testing window each day 8 - 10am
Grade 9 will be isolated for testing
All other grade levels will follow our normal bell schedule

NJSLA Testing Grade 11 (Testing Dates 5/11 - 5/12)
11th Grade - Science (4 Units - 60 minutes each)
AM Testing window each day 8 - 10:30am
All other grade levels will follow our normal bell schedule

AP Testing (Testing Dates 5/1 - 5/12)

All testing will be done in the Greenberg Center 

*For both NJSLA tests, adjustments need to be made for the extended time rooms b/c of the construction schedule. We will have that updated in the next week or two.

Semester 2 Assessments

Overview  (What you need to know/due dates)

Updated Schedule 

Special Events / Important dates 

Wednesday, April 26 - Staff Meeting / Testing 
Thursday, 5/11 - Voter Registration Presentation (2 - 3pm)
Wednesday, 5/31 - Wellness Day (8 - 11am) / PM speaker? / Prom Night

(Minds Over Matter is working on this. More info will be shared soon)
Tuesday, 5/16 Spring Signing Day at 9am

Tuesday, 5/16 NHS Induction Ceremony at 7pm

Thursday, 5/18 Spring Concert at 7pm

Friday, 5/19 Semester 2 Assessments due by 8am 
Monday, 5/22 Senior Awards Night at 7pm

WHS Staff News - Week of 3/27/23

End of the marking period is almost here. Please make sure your gradebook is up to date so there are no surprises. Also keep parents informed about students who have fallen behind, are off track or failing for the marking period.

A little late but, Great job with NJGPA testing! Everything ran extremely well and I think testing all the juniors in the cafeteria allowed the rest of the school to function as normal and continue with instruction.

A lot happened last week related to construction. What I’m sharing with you, I think is the plan but things could change.

Construction Updates - 3/27/23

Due to the Main Office construction starting soon, please be sure to stop by the office today and empty your mailbox.
The refrigerator in the Main Office kitchen must be cleaned out as well.
Anything left behind will be discarded in the demolition.

Recent Blog Post

WHS Senior Class Fundraiser - Blue Moon (4/3/23

Waldwick Music Parents Association (WMPA) Clothing & Shoe Fund Drive

WHS Staff News - 2/28/23

Please consider nominating a deserving teacher or an educational service professional for this year's Educator of the Year for Waldwick HS. We have so many deserving educators here @ WHS. Please complete this nomination form by Friday, March 10th.

FYI - Junior Class meeting - Wednesday, 3/1 at 11:45 in theLittle Theater.  Focus will be on the NJGPA.  Testing dates - 3/13 - 3/17.

REMINDER - NJGPA Testing Meeting for all staff - 3/8/23 at 3:05.  All staff must attend this meeting. 

I NEED YOUR HELP - Drama Club Production
WHS Drama Club is proud to present: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Dates/times are - 3/9, 3/10, 3/11 @ 7pm  

**Chaperones Needed
Ticket Taker List - Drama Club (Please sign up to Chaperone one of the three shows)

WHS Staff News - Week of 1/9/23

Next week we will have an all staff meeting on Wednesday, 1/18 in the Media Center. Please make sure your schedule is cleared for you to attend.

Change is coming to working Wednesday. Last week I mentioned to the ScIP committee that I will be looking to make changes to when department meetings are held. Starting at the end of the month, not all departments will be meeting on Wednesday's. I will share my plan later this week and review it at the staff meeting.

Marking Period 2 ends in 15 school days (Friday 1/27/23)
A few things to do as the marking period comes to an end:

This week make sure your Gradebook is up to date
Make calls home for students in danger of failing (No surprises for parents)
Send positive emails for students that have improved from the 1st MP or showed growth during the 2nd MP
*Last week the counselors and I reviewed mid-marking grades and will be speaking with students

Documenting Student Issues
Some teachers have been using the Discipline tab in Genesis this year to submit referrals. Moving forward, if a teacher wants to write up a student, it should be submitted in Genesis. Here are two videos to show the different ways teachers can submit (Genesis calls them different names but they end up in the same place).

Discipline Tab in Gradebook - Discipline Tab Video
Referral Tab in Gradebook - Referral Video (This tab was added on Friday to your Gradebook)

Starting this week, parents will be able to see the referrals in Parent Access after an administrator addresses the issue. The teacher description in the referral does not get posted to the portal.

Monday 1/16 - Minimum Day / Professional Development
Dr. Elias posted the schedule this morning. 

Semester 1 Assessment blog for Students and Parents. This will go out tonight to parents and students.

WHS Staff News - Week of 1/2/23

Happy New Year! I know the break was short, but I hope you had a chance to relax and spend time with family and friends. 

Construction Update
Senior Wing - All HVAC units have been installed but have not been hooked up to a thermostat yet. Hopefully, that will happen soon. The fan speed was lowered this morning so that should help with the heat today. The panel was left open so teachers should be able to adjust the fan speed if needed. Please do not store any items on top of the new HVAC units.

Last week all of the HVAC units were delivered. Having them onsite will help bring closure to the future phases.

Phase 2 is moving along. All exterior windows and doors have been installed. Progress is moving along at a good pace.

The construction company is hoping to wrap up Phase 2 by the February break (2/17). I will keep everyone updated as we get closer.

Semester Assessments
Back on December 5, I shared information about the Semester Assessments. They will be here before you know it. Please take the following steps:

Review the Semester Assessment doc
Update/create your assessments and submit by 1/12
Work with colleagues on common assessments
Review the schedule (It’s different then years past)
*Delayed openings and early release are for students only. Staff should use the time to grade assessments.
Plan for assessment feedback during the week of 1/30.

Since we don't have an official meeting on Wednesday, I will be available to answer any questions related to the Semester Assessments in the Media Center after school.

FYI - The Sean Fisher Memorial Heart Screenings will be taking place on February 6 & 7 this year.  Blog post for Students/Parents. 

Testing Info for 2023

Thinking ahead and making sure all testing information is out there. 

Semester 1 Assessments

Semester Assessment Information

(Schedule)

*All semester assessments need to be submitted by 8am on Thursday, January 12.  

Tuesday, January 24, 2023
Period 1 - 9:02 - 11:03
Lunch 11:04 - 11:54
Period 5 - 11:55 - 1:56

Wednesday, January 25, 2023
Period 2 - 9:02 - 11:03
Lunch 11:04 - 11:54
Period 6 - 11:55 - 1:56

Thursday, January 26, 2023
Period 3 - 9:02 - 11:03
Lunch 11:04 - 11:54
Period 7 - 11:55 - 1:56

Friday, January 27, 2023
Period 4 - 9:02 - 11:03
Lunch 11:04 - 11:54
Period 8 - 11:55 - 1:56

Delayed opening with a 9:02am start and an early release at 1:56pm for all students
*For 1st semester assessments, all classes will meet whether they are giving an assessment or not. Example Related Arts, PE, electives, etc.

Spring Testing Dates
With only one grade level testing at a time, we will not need to run any delayed openings during state testing. This is a change from years past. 

April 20, 2023 PSAT 10

AM Testing Only 8 - 11:30am (Approximately)

Grade 1o will be isolated for testing (Cafeteria)

All other grade levels will follow our normal bell schedule

NJGPA Testing Grade 11 (Testing dates 3/13 - 3/16) 
AM Testing Only 8 - 9:55am (Approximately)
Grade 11 will be isolated for testing
Cafeteria/Media Center/Media Center Lab/Room 425 will be used for testing
All other grade levels will follow our normal bell schedule

NJSLA Testing Grade 9 (Testing Dates - 5/1 - 5/4)
9th Grade - ELA (3 sections) 90 minute units 
9th Grade - Geometry & Algebra 1 H (2 sections) 90 minute units

AM Testing window each day 8 - 10am
Grade 9 will be isolated for testing
Cafeteria/Media Center/Media Center Lab/Room 425 will be used for testing
All other grade levels will follow our normal bell schedule

NJSLA Testing  Grade 11 (Testing Dates 5/11 - 5/12)

11th Grade - Science (4 Units - 60 minutes each)

AM Testing window each day 8 - 10:30am
Cafeteria/Media Center/Media Center Lab/Ro0m 425 will be used for testing
All other grade levels will follow our normal bell schedule

All dates and info is also posted on The Answers - HS Testing Calendar 22-23

WHS Staff News - Week of 11/28/22

I hope you had an amazing Thanksgiving and enjoyed the four day break!

It’s back!!! “10 days to the Holiday Break” will start on Monday, 12/12. See link for all the details. A few things might get added before the 12th. Start planning! 100% optional, 100% fun!

10 Days till the Holiday Break - 2022  


Let's all keep an eye on the exit door by 309 going out to the temporary classrooms.

• If you walk by and it’s open, close it.
• If you are walking back to the building and there are no students behind you, close the door.
• Art wing hall duty teachers, please check the door before you take your post.

On Tuesday, during lunch we have a guest speaker for students. Please share this info.

• Thinking about a Career in Law Enforcement
• Presenter - Bergen County Prosecutor
• Careers in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice
• November 29, 2022. 11am - Media Center (Lunch Meeting)

If you are interested - Free Wellness Series for Waldwick Staff & Community (Presented by Hackensack Meridian Health)

Letting Go of Stress: How to Adapt, Cope, & Thrive
Tuesday, November 29, 2022
3:15pm - 4:15pm

This presentation will discuss the nature of stress, types of stress, and gives language to the emotions associated with everyday stress. Effective coping skills and relaxation techniques will be shared with detailed instruction to offer new ways to respond to stress. Through experiential learning, participants will discover strategies to improve overall health and well-being.

The Global Awareness Club is selling Waldwick sweatshirts to raise funds for the Grace Project in Kenya. Everything will be delivered before the holidays! Blog post with links to order. 

WHS Staff News - Week of 11/14/22

That's one marking period down and Phase 1 90% complete! 

For those of you that were part of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 moving last week, THANK YOU! It was a crazy few days and I know it was stressful but we got it done.  I also need to thank Andy Gamper and the custodian staff for going the extra mile.

Senior Wing Teachers - What's still to come in your rooms 

• Blinds - Hopefully getting an answer later today on the timeline 
• Permanent HVAC unit - Hopefully getting an answer later today on the timeline
• Card access locks  
• Room number signs - Hallway/Windows/Inside room 
• Additional white boards will be going up 
• In the back corner of each room - small bulletin board (Under Clock) for evacuation map/room number/announcements 
• We need to bring the rooms to life with pictures/posters/etc. Let's start thinking about what you want. Let's start the conversations. 

For Wednesday, 11/16 there will be no formal DLC meeting.  Teachers can use the time to re-organize their space that they just moved into. We also have the Volleyball tournament going in the gym. 

We found out late yesterday that QSAC is now coming on Friday, 11/18 at 9:30am.  Can't make it up. 

Looking ahead to next week: 

Wednesday, 11/23 - Minimum Day

Thursday, 11/24 - No School 

Friday, 11/25 - No School 

Recent blog post:

New Genesis Links 

WHS Staff News - Week of 10/17/22

We made it through last week.  Thanks to everyone that proctored either the Start Strong or the PSAT's.  I'm glad that week is behind us. 

PDP's (Due on Friday, 10/21/22)
I know some departments have had conversations about their department goals. Please have them finalized by this Wednesday and entered into Genesis by Friday, 10/21.

For PDP's ... three goals total are needed:

• School Goal
• Department Goal
• Department Goal or Personal Goal

*Crossover staff can replace a department goal with the MS school goal. You only need to have three goals total.

If any department wants to do two goals, that's fine. Those department members will not have a personal goal.

The school goal for the 22-23 school year will focus on Gratitude and how each staff member can bring a little gratitude into their daily lives.

Teachers will focus on:

• Being an active listener with your colleagues and students
• Take a moment each day to put a smile on someone's face (send an email, write a positive note, send a text or make a phone call)
• Find different ways that work for you to show gratitude and appreciation for others

You may be thinking, is this really a goal? The NJDOE might not think so, but I don’t care. As I said in our first meeting about Gratitude …. As individuals, why don’t we focus on this more? Shouldn’t we? Let’s try!

People fail to understand how gratitude can change a life and change one’s perception for the good. A life without gratitude is often an unhappy, unfilled life. The thing with gratitude is that it actually helps you way more than the person you’re showing gratitude towards. We all need as much good in our lives as possible, so let's help each other make that happen.

Wednesday's Assembly with Kevin Atlas 

See link for schedule 

All staff should remain in the gym for the entire presentation.  Please find a seat in the bleachers.

Senior picture on the hill

Seniors will be taking their Class of 23 picture around 2:05pm on Friday.  Students will be called down from last block.  

WHS Staff News - Week of 9/26/22

Back to School Night is behind us. Thanks for putting on a great show. The parents that I spoke to throughout the night all had good things to say. What's the future of BTSN? I don't know, but I welcome ideas and suggestions because I'm not sure the current format is what we need any more. I will be discussing this topic with the ScIP Committee.

Testing week (Start Strong and PSAT/NMSQT) - 10/11, 10/12 & 10/13
The "All Doc" has been updated and included in my email.

Week of Respect - 10/3/22
Student Council is planning a few things for the week. More to come on what they have planned.
Monday, 10/3, wear blue to commemorate the national color for anti bullying
Friday, 10/7 wear orange for the Waldwick anti-bullying color
*Staff can wear Jeans on Monday & Friday


Spirit Week is coming - Week of 10/10/22 Spirit days will be released next week.

Update on Letter of Recommendations
The Bergen County Directors of Guidance recently shared information for teachers and counselors on letters of recommendation and a shift in how they are written and what college admissions officers are preferring.
See link for information on bulleted letters of recommendation. In discussion with many college reps, they prefer this type of letter over the narrative version. More importantly, it’s easier for counselors/teachers.
Google Folder with Letter of Recommendations Resources
I am not saying you need to go back and change what you have already written, but consider this new format moving forward.

Also, as a reminder: Teachers need to have their letters of reference (PDF format) uploaded in Naviance and their common app teacher forms completed and saved in Naviance by Oct. 12.

Duty Period Assignments
Next week I will be pushing out an updated duty assignment for hall duty teachers with locations. Lunch duty locations might be changing as well. No periods or times will be changed.

Recent Blog Posts

PSAT/NMSQT Testing for Juniors (Class of 2024) - October 12, 2022

NJDOE Start Strong Assessments - Schedule for the Fall 2022

Handle Hard Better

WHS Staff News - Week of 9/12/22

I hope everyone had a great weekend! Last week Mr. Clancy, Mr. Mayer and I had grade level meetings with the 9, 10 and 11 graders. Seniors will be this week. 

Start Strong will not happen as scheduled on 9/20 - 9/23.

I wanted to work the testing schedule with as little interruption as possible but that's not going to work with some of the state mandates related to testing procedures. I promised you 21 start days and I am keeping that promise. Penny and I are working on schedule for the second week of October. More details to follow.

Tuesday, 9/13 - Special Schedule 

We have a lot going on in the gym during the day.  School pictures will be in the Greenberg Center.  All staff should stop by at some point for a picture. 

Wednesday 9/14 - DLC Time 

All departments should get together to talk about:

*PDP's and department goals

*Needs/wants for the 10/10 delayed opening PD Day

Goodell Tree on front lawn

I asked Mr. Goodell to open up part of the fence around the tree so classes can sit out there during the day.  We wanted to protected it from the contractors. 

Upcoming 

Back to School Night - 9/22/22 (In-Person) 

*Donna will work on posting bell schedule. 

First Day reminders / things I forgot

 

WHS Staff News 22-23 SY  (See link for a few reminders - Waldwickschools.org account only) 

WHS Staff News - Summer Update (Almost that time)

Summer Update 22-23 SY

Opening day for staff is Thursday, September 1! Teachers are off on Friday, 9/2. The buildings will be open till 12pm on Friday. 

Agenda for 9/1. My goal this year for the 1st day was to give you as much TIME for yourself as a could.  We will get together as a staff at 10:15 in the Media Center. 

The entire district will not be coming together this year to kickoff the school year. There will be a WEA meeting at 11:30 in the MSMPR for HS and MS staff.  The WEA is providing breakfast and lunch to all staff. 

Here is my blog post that went out to students and parents. Welcome Back 22-23 School Year.

What to expect for the first day with students:

Tuesday, September 6 we will follow a Special Schedule where all classes will meet. The rotation will start on Wednesday, 9/7, with Day 1.
*Note Tuesday, 9/13, will be another Special Schedule with all classes meeting. We needed to do this for picture day/school bus evacuation drills/Chromebook registration and senior gown fittings. The Physical Education Department will take care of all of these things.

The entire school year has been planned out related to the rotation schedule. See link to the calendar for the year: 2022- 2023 Rotation Schedule

Like last year, we continue to post monthly calendars for staff and parents. You can find the link on The Answers.

New Staff joining us at WHS

Dr. Cynthia Burmaster - Chemistry
Joseph Petrosi - Chemistry

Danielle Ramiccio-Special Education
Caitlin Ernest - Special Education

Melanie Moore - School Counselor
Liz Beck - School Social Worker

Nicole DeMatteo - School Nurse
Stefanie Gosse Batory - Media Specialist (Leave Replacement)

Judy Lowe - Instructional Aide

Student Teachers /Interns
Ashley Lewis - School Counselor
Maryellen Van Alter - School Psychologist
Madeline Hawkins - Social Studies
Bridget Powers - Math

Resources
The Answers - Your staff manual for everything you need to know related to WHS. Here you can find the ... Master Schedule, Duty List, Agenda for 9/1, Meeting dates, Emergency drill procedures and much more!

Safe Schools & BOE Policies - Reminder: The courses you need to watch need to be completed by 9/9
Policy Acknowledgment 2022-2023 - Complete by 9/9

Back-to-School Night will be on Thursday, September 22 (In-person) 7 - 9pm

Looking forward to seeing everyone on Thursday.  I hope you have plans for the long weekend! 

WHS Staff News - Week of 4/18/22

Welcome back!!! I hope you are ready for the final push! This year has been filled with a lot of ups and downs, frustrating moments but at the same time we have had some great moments and worked hard to rebuild relationships and get students back on track after the pandemic. 

PS - I survived Disney. We had a great time! I only lost me cool once!?!

We have 41 school days left this year. Yep! 41!
April 10 days / May 20 days / June 4 days of classes / 4 days for assessments / 3 days minimum days. 

Let's use those 41 days to be that educator students can't forget! 41 opportunities to make a difference. Check out this powerful video. 

“Thanks for Being the Teacher I Couldn’t Forget.”

Student Council Sprit Week take two!
April 18th through April 22nd:
Spirit Week
Monday — Beach Day/Snowcone Monday
Tuesday — Dress Like A Teacher Day - Best Teacher Outfit Wins Prize (Teachers Dress Like Students)
Wednesday — White Lies Day
Thursday — Color Wars (Staff wear Blue)
Friday — Crazy Day (Shirt, Socks, Outfit)


**Sprit Rally will be Thursday, 4/21 at 2pm (Period 5).

WHS Staff News - Heading into Spring Break

Spring Break ... here we come! I hope everyone gets to enjoy some time off.  If you are going away have a great time, if you are staying local then just enjoy the time and relax!  I am off to Disney to have a MAGICAL time! I will relax when I get back! 

Construction Update: 

Things are starting to move along.  You might have already noticed more construction people around, then will only increase over the next few months.  The sequence of the work should be locked in over the next few weeks which I will share with everyone when it's set.  The contractor who was awarded the bid, thinks he can move the timeline along quicker then what was presented.  That would be amazing if possible, but we will see.  Supply chain issues was a big worry a few months ago, but according to the contractors we are in much better shape and they don't expect any major delays. 

Student Council Sprit Week take two! 

April 18th through April 22nd:
Spirit Week
Monday — Beach Day/Snowcone Monday
Tuesday — Dress Like A Teacher Day - Best Teacher Outfit Wins Prize (Teachers Dress Like Students)
Wednesday — White Lies Day
Thursday — Color Wars
Friday — Crazy Day (Shirt, Socks, Outfit)

**Sprit Rally will be Thursday, 4/21 at 2pm (Period 5).

Upcoming Events 
Bring your Child to Work Day - April 28th (Save the Date)

I could use some help in organizing the day so if anyone wants to help out please let me know.

 

WHS Staff News - Week of 2/22/22

If you believe in things like certain dates matter, this might be one of those days ... 2/22/22.  Might be a good day to play the lottery! lol

I hope everyone had an enjoyable long weekend! March is coming quickly and hopefully, there will be some nice Spring-like weather here before we know it.  I don't know about you, but these cold temperatures are starting to get to me.  

Here are a few updates: 

State Testing Change for the NJGPA
My plan to test in the morning and afternoon for NJGPA is not allowed by the NJDOE. I tried! So the new plan is we will be testing for 4 straight mornings instead of 2 during the week of March 14. All other grade levels will follow a normal schedule. Penny is in the process of updating the proctoring schedule. Donna will update the Google Calendar. 

HIGH SCHOOL TESTING CALENDAR 21-22 SY 

AM Testing Only 8 - 9:55am (Approximately)

Tuesday, 3/15 - Day 3 (ELA Unit 1)
Wednesday, 3/16 - Day 4 (ELA Unit 2)
Thursday, 3/17 - Day 1 (Math Unit 1)
Friday, 3/18 - Day 2 (Math Unit 2)

Blog for parents - State Testing 

Senior Cut Days - FYI, I sent this to senior parents this morning:

Senior Parents/Guardians,

Over the last two weeks we have had two days where a large majority of seniors have taken the day off. Parents call the school letting us know that their child is taking part in senior cut day. Senior cut day is not an excused absence and is not something the school condones.

I understand the right of passage that seniors feel they are entitled to a senior cut day, but not multiple days throughout the year. We have an attendance policy that will be enforced and these days are not excused absences.

Keeping seniors motivated and on task as we head to June is always something we deal with. In the past when parents and the school work together on emphasizing the importance of finishing the school strong, we have seen great success.

There are a lot of senior events that will be coming up over the next few months and I don’t want any student to miss out because of attendance issues.

Heart Screening 

Heart screening will be done this year on Wednesday, 3/23 - Friday, 3/25.  This service will be offered to all 9th and 10th graders for free because of the Sean Fisher Memorial Foundation. More details will be shared with the students/families later this week. 

WHS Staff News - 1/10/22

Finding the joy and purpose in the present moment. Yes, things are a mess right now with teacher's being out because of COVID-19, students absences, quarantine lists and the list goes on and on but lets try to find the joy. Use your time and energy to bring joy and smiles to yourself and others. We are all dealing with this pandemic, let's try to make the best of the moments.

Schedule change for Friday, 1/21. We will make up Friday's snow day (Day 3) and eliminate the all classes meet that was scheduled for 1/21. I believe most staff members are not fans of the all classes meeting anymore. Donna will update the calendar. 

For the month of January there will be no working Wednesday's.

PD Day on Monday, 1/17: Dianna and I will be posting the schedule this week but most of the time will be used for curriculum work. No new big incentives, just some collaborating, writing, organizing and using the time wisely.

If you did not receive an email or phone call on Thursday night (delayed opening) and/or Friday (school closing) please let Donna know.

Reminder - End of the 2nd marking period is, Friday 1/21. Laurie Cassidy will be posting the timeline for the second marking period grade submission. Make sure Gradebook is up to date.  It saves stress at the end of the marking period for you and the students.  Make sure you are communication with parents and they are aware of any struggles. 

WHS Staff News - Week of 11/15/21

Mind Set Check-in
I used this form last year and it gave me some great insight into how everyone is feeling and handling the stress of the job. I wanted to check in with everyone as we get going with the 2nd marking period.

Me Looking in the Mirror 
This year has not been as smooth as things have been pre-COVID when it comes to student behavior and the types of issues we have been dealing with. We are not alone in seeing a spike in behavioral issues. This is a common theme around the county but it doesn't mean I like it or want to except it.  The majority of our students are still doing the right things, but a handful of students need some extra TLC and beyond. Mike and I met with the ScIP Committee on Monday and we brain stormed some ideas to help improve student behavior, which I will work on and roll out over the next few weeks. 

Duty Assignment Adjustments

Please review the tab for Duties as I made some changes related to location and responsibilities. No periods have changed just what your duty is. 

As a reminder, the teachers that have locker-room duty should be in the locker-room for the beginning and end of the period.  The middle of the period location is listed on the tab. 

The focus of the hall duty teachers:

First, monitor the bathrooms in your area. I will be posting a QR Code on the bathroom doors for students to check in (Like last year).  Each student is required to use the QR Code or you can submit the form for them if they don't have their phone.  I will share the sheet and form for the bathroom check-in with all duty teachers (This is what we did last year).

Second, get kids back to class as soon as possible.  If you see the same kids in the halls everyday, get their name and share it with Mike or I.  

Semester Assessments
With the changes we made for Semester Assessments, here is the draft of the what the 2nd Semester Assessment schedule would look like.  Feedback welcome. 
2nd Semester Assessment Schedule

Lockers
As of Friday, Student now have access to their lockers. If a student has an issue with the locker, there is a QR code in the office for them to scan and report what their issue is.

Start celebrating #WarriorNation the trophy is back HOME! Boys Soccer N1G1 State Sectional Champions! ⚽️🏆 2-0 win over Emerson. Kyle Carroll and Danny Perdomo each scored in the victory. pic.twitter.com/Nxm9wroSut

— Waldwick Athletics (@WHSWarrior_ATHL) November 12, 2021

Finished off the regular season with a win(ended 6-2)! We did what we needed to do for playoffs. We'll find out next week if we're in. Shout-outs to Brandon M. for the solo team wipe, and our supports Craig K. & Jared M. for keeping everyone healed.

— WaldwickHSEsports (@WldwckHSEsports) November 15, 2021